Accreditation
The school psychology program at Oklahoma State University is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). This is the highest level of accreditation possible for psychology training programs.
School Psychology Program Model and Philosophy
Our programs are based on the scientist-practitioner model in which theory, research and practice are considered integrated components. Within this model is embedded our Science-Based Child Learner Success (SBCLS) orientation that emphasizes use of the scientific knowledge base and methodological rigor in the delivery of school psychology services to effect positive outcomes for our clients. Our philosophy is that all children and youth have the right to be successful. Success refers not only to accomplishment of immediate goals but also to long range goals of adulthood such as maximizing personal potentials, social integration, meaningful work and contributing to society. School psychologists are important agents who assist children, families, teachers and others to be successful. The SBCLS orientation focuses on prevention and intervention services related to the psychoeducational and mental health needs of children and youth.
We also believe that you must understand, critically evaluate and integrate research and theory to deliver sound and appropriate school psychology services. School psychologists should also use research designs to critically evaluate their methods and to determine which methods have sufficient validity to be included in their service delivery repertoire. Those who practice from a SBLS perspective are not only skeptical consumers of research but contribute to the existing knowledge base through their ongoing scholarship and research activities. They also understand that the scientific and professional literature is constantly being upgraded and that continuing professional development and life-long learning are integral to success as a school psychologist.
Diversity Statement
Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act) and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. Potential students and faculty are actively recruited from all the above categories and given full consideration for admission, employment, promotions and/or tenure by the University and within the School of Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences (STLES).
The school psychology program, and STLES in general, make every effort to promote understanding of and respect for the full range of cultural and individual diversity. Recruitment of faculty and students from diverse cultural backgrounds is always a high priority and our current faculty and student population reflects this effort. If you are a minority student, you may be interested in being listed in the APA Directory of Minority Psychologists. The program also strives to develop understanding, knowledge, scholarship and skills in all of our students to enhance the likelihood they will facilitate child success across the full range of diverse learners they might encounter as professional school psychologists. We are convinced that the changing cultural diversity of schools and society will have substantial impact on the delivery of school psychological services and research conducted by professional school psychologists.
Students from diverse backgrounds have been quite successful in the school psychology programs. Historically, over 20 percent of the program students have reported themselves to have minority status and, in 2018, 18 percent of the students in the PhD and EdS programs were from under-represented groups. The programs have also aggressively recruited scholars from McNair Programs across the country and offer these students assistantships and tuition waivers to ease the financial hardship associated with graduate school (see SPAY 2007 disclosure tables). More information about the McNair Scholars program can be found here.